DAT vs OAT: Comparing the Dental and Optometry Admissions Tests

By Dr. Blane Jackson, DDS, MBA · Reviewed 2026

The DAT and OAT are administered by the same organization (ADA-affiliated Pearson VUE for DAT, Optometry Admissions Testing Program for OAT) and use very similar formats. The differences mostly come down to which professional school accepts which test, with small content shifts. Here's how to choose.

Side-by-side comparison

Content overlap and prep efficiency

If you take both, the content overlap is nearly complete:

• QR (math) — identical scope
• RC (reading) — identical format and scope
• BIO — same undergraduate biology coverage
• GC (gen chem) — same undergraduate chemistry
• OC (orgo) — same undergraduate organic chemistry
• PAT (DAT only) vs Physics (OAT only) — only divergent section

If you've already prepped for one, prepping for the other adds about 60-80 hours (the unique section). DAT preppers cross-training for OAT need to add Physics — undergraduate-level mechanics, electricity/magnetism, optics, waves. OAT preppers cross-training for DAT need to develop PAT skills — typically 6+ weeks of dedicated practice for a competitive PAT score.

Optometry vs dentistry as career choice

If you're choosing between the careers (not just the tests):

• Schedule: both have predictable schedules and limited overnight call. Optometry usually slightly more standard hours.
• Income: median dentist ~$170-200K, median optometrist ~$130-150K. Both with significant variation by setting.
• School duration: dentistry 4 years post-college; optometry 4 years post-college (Doctor of Optometry, OD)
• School cost: dental $250-400K+; optometry $200-300K total
• Patient mix: dentistry covers oral health (cavities, gums, surgery, cosmetic); optometry covers vision and eye disease (refraction, diagnosis of eye conditions, contact lenses, some surgical co-management)
• Practice ownership: both fields have strong solo and small-practice paths
• Specialization: dentistry has more specialty options (orthodontics, oral surgery, periodontics, endodontics, prosthodontics); optometry has fewer formal residencies

Decision framework

Pick DAT if:

• You're sure or strongly leaning dentistry
• Spatial reasoning (PAT) is a strength or trainable for you
• You want broader specialty options downstream
• Higher earning potential matters and you're willing to do more procedural work

Pick OAT if:

• You're sure or strongly leaning optometry
• Physics is a strength (or PAT specifically is a weakness)
• You prefer non-surgical / less procedural patient care
• Slightly lower school cost matters

Take both only if you're genuinely undecided AND your application timeline allows. The cost is ~$1,065 in test fees plus 6-8 extra weeks of test-specific prep.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use OAT scores for dental school?

No. Dental schools accept the DAT specifically; OAT scores are not accepted in lieu of the DAT. Same in reverse — DAT scores are not accepted for optometry school admission.

Are DAT and OAT graded on the same scale?

No. DAT uses 1-30 per section; OAT uses 200-400 per section. The percentile distributions are similar, but absolute numbers don't translate.

Which has more applicants per seat?

Dental school overall has more applicants and more competitive admissions, partly because of larger applicant pool. Optometry is competitive but slightly less so on average. Both fields have strong selectivity at top programs.

If I have a high MCAT, can I use it for dental or optometry school?

Sometimes for dental school (especially DDS/MD combined programs or non-traditional applicants); rarely for optometry school. Most schools strongly prefer the test designed for their profession.

How much does PAT preparation differ from Physics preparation for the OAT?

PAT prep is skill-building (spatial reasoning, pattern recognition) over 6-8 weeks of daily practice. OAT Physics prep is content-based (mechanics, EM, waves, optics) — about 4-6 weeks of dedicated study covering 1 semester of college physics. Different study modes.